I like the 3-4, but I really think the 4-3 is getting a bad name for really odd reasons in the modern NFL. While the 3-4 is definitely becoming more common, since 2000, the numbers aren't hugely in favor of one side.

And you could even argue these numbers are slightly skewed because of the Patriots dynasty. One really isn't superior to the other. It's entirely about personnel.

Superbowls involve offense though. Not a great measure of effectiveness. I think yards per play allowed and points per game are better measures.

I prefer a 3-4 for no other reason than I find it more fun to watch. Based on that alone, I hope Carolina moves more and more towards that system. But I have always disagreed with the assertions that we shouldnt switch to a 3-4 because our personel better fits the 4-3. Well yes. We are a 4-3 team. Our personel will always better fit the 4-3 so long as we draft and hire for the 4-3. Does that mean a switch should be out of the question so long as football is in Carolina?_________________
CK on the sig

I like the 3-4, but I really think the 4-3 is getting a bad name for really odd reasons in the modern NFL. While the 3-4 is definitely becoming more common, since 2000, the numbers aren't hugely in favor of one side.

And you could even argue these numbers are slightly skewed because of the Patriots dynasty. One really isn't superior to the other. It's entirely about personnel.

Superbowls involve offense though. Not a great measure of effectiveness. I think yards per play allowed and points per game are better measures.

I prefer a 3-4 for no other reason than I find it more fun to watch. Based on that alone, I hope Carolina moves more and more towards that system. But I have always disagreed with the assertions that we shouldnt switch to a 3-4 because our personel better fits the 4-3. Well yes. We are a 4-3 team. Our personel will always better fit the 4-3 so long as we draft and hire for the 4-3. Does that mean a switch should be out of the question so long as football is in Carolina?

My position has never been a "no 3-4 ever" thing. Mostly it's just a reaction to comments that started probably about 3-4 years ago along the lines of "OMG! WE SHOULD TOTALLY RUN THE 3-4 THIS YEAR BECAUSE IT IS AWESOME AND PEPPERS WOULD BE TEH GREETEST OLB EVAAARRR!!!"

If they want to switch over, cool. They already run a hybrid (many teams do). I just said (starting a few years ago) that it doesn't make sense that the team would want to switch over to a 3-4 at this (or that) point because they just spent high round draft picks on players who are clearly better suited for the 4-3.

Now, it's conceivable that Rivera is gradually moving the defense to a more consistent 3-4 look. And if he does that, I trust him. I just don't see the logic is making a scheme overhaul like people generally tend to advocate in these types of threads. Plus, it's been a bit longer since those high draft picks were made and we've got an entirely new coaching staff. However, if Rivera does make the switch, I will respect his decision to do so infinitely more than I did with people like Mangini who simply forced the scheme on personnel that clearly did fit in it._________________

MrDrew wrote:

Can somebody give me a good reason there's not a giant statue to fret somewhere?